Why is Rainsford so scared of being hunted?

Rainsford, like anyone is afraid of death. At first, he reacts like any man or woman would react to the prospect of being hunted.... especially knowing that if caught, it would mean his death. It isn't until he is out in the woods that Rainsford begins to think in terms of the prey he's hunted and attempts to follow their lead... as well as all of the lessons he's learned along the way.